This operation, aimed at addressing activities that threaten public order, culminated in more than 100 of the arrested individuals being arraigned before the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court at Bolade, Oshodi. The charges included breaches of public peace, conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order, and the unlawful conversion of government property for personal use.
Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, the General Manager of LNSA, spearheaded the operation, targeting hotspots known for disrupting public order. Prosecuting on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was Oluwabusola Omotunde, who presented the case against the defendants. While some individuals pleaded not guilty, the court is set to proceed to a full hearing, with the charges currently standing as allegations.
The areas targeted, including Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah, are significant commercial zones characterized by vibrant nightlife, street trading, and residential activities, thus remaining active into the early hours. The LNSA’s mandate focuses on safety concerns in neighborhoods, utilizing early morning raids to address illegal occupations of public spaces and disorderly conduct prevalent in busy areas.
The charge of unlawful conversion of government property refers to previous enforcement actions against individuals misusing public infrastructure, such as occupying road medians and sidewalks for personal commercial gain. This recent mass arraignment follows a precedent set earlier in January 2026 when a Lagos magistrate court sentenced 26 street group members to three months in prison during a similar operation, alongside the arrest of 115 street beggars.
In the last three years, Lagos has witnessed over 35,000 criminal cases, with the Lekki-Ajah and Lagos Island corridor frequently identified as a hotspot for enforcement actions. The state’s ongoing policy emphasizes a zero-tolerance stance towards activities that jeopardize public safety and the proper utilization of public spaces. Meanwhile, no specific timelines have been provided regarding the further court hearings for the arraigned individuals.
